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Home to Christmas Island
Sometimes the road back home leads you straight to your heart.
Florence MacLeod has zero interest in going home for the holidays. But returning to Christmas Island, Cape Breton is unavoidable when she’s promised to help plan her cousin’s winter wedding. A decade after she left, there’s no real home to return to—only the grief she never faced after her mother’s death. Then on her first day back, Florence has an infuriating run-in with Alistair Campbell, the rugged, frustratingly handsome Scottish police officer who's made himself at home in her hometown. And it turns out Alistair is tangled up in her past in ways she never expected.
As wedding arrangements kick into high gear, Florence keeps crossing paths with Alistair—from the pub to the post office to cold plunges in the icy Bras d’Or. What starts as irritation melts into banter, then something warmer, as his steady presence nudges her toward facing the grief she’s kept buried for so long. With the end of her holidays near, Florence must decide, for a second time, whether to leave the shores of Christmas Island behind or finally open her heart to the one place that’s truly felt like home.
240 pages, ebook
Published November 4, 2025
14 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 14, 2025
The perfect Christmas romance! It made me tear up at the end and I loved the Nova Scotia setting!
Thank you to Kobo Books for the copy!
Thank you to Kobo Books for the copy!
November 10, 2025
A cozy, wonderful read that showcases the best of Cape Breton! There is also a lot of emotional depth and reflecting for our main character. The supporting characters are so well drawn and charming, the perfect start to holiday season ✨️🎄
November 4, 2025
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book to read!
I absolutely adored this book. A swoon-worthy love interest, fantastic cast of side characters, and a deep love for Nova Scotia. I don’t know what more you could ask for!
But in all seriousness, this book really was phenomenal. The characters were fleshed out and well written as well as believable and relatable. “Uh oh, I do that don’t I?” levels of relatable. The story was a sweet, classic big city girl comes home for Christmas and meets small town boy but with a more feeling behind it because of Floras struggles with overcoming grief throughout the book. Lots of care was taken with every aspect of the book.
When it comes down to it, if you’re looking for a cozy, emotional, romantic book for the holidays this is absolutely perfect for the occasion.
I absolutely adored this book. A swoon-worthy love interest, fantastic cast of side characters, and a deep love for Nova Scotia. I don’t know what more you could ask for!
But in all seriousness, this book really was phenomenal. The characters were fleshed out and well written as well as believable and relatable. “Uh oh, I do that don’t I?” levels of relatable. The story was a sweet, classic big city girl comes home for Christmas and meets small town boy but with a more feeling behind it because of Floras struggles with overcoming grief throughout the book. Lots of care was taken with every aspect of the book.
When it comes down to it, if you’re looking for a cozy, emotional, romantic book for the holidays this is absolutely perfect for the occasion.
December 21, 2025
Such a cute and easy Christmas read. The perfect Christmas romance but also the perfect family Christmas story. I loved every moment of this story, even when it had me crying.
Florence’s thoughts about her mom and their home reminded me of my own thoughts about my Gramma and I really appreciated reading about how she navigated her grief while trying to love Christmas and being home again.
And also who doesn’t love a Scottish MC?!❤️
Florence’s thoughts about her mom and their home reminded me of my own thoughts about my Gramma and I really appreciated reading about how she navigated her grief while trying to love Christmas and being home again.
And also who doesn’t love a Scottish MC?!❤️
November 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨3.5
What Its Got
✅ Canadian setting and content
✅ small town
✅ enemies to friends
✅ closed door romance
✅ grumpy vs sunshine
✅ grief
Thoughts
📕 I loved the banter! The teasing, the nicknames (Reckless, Red Sizzler etc)
📕 I loved the details in the descriptions, the author sets a vivid visual stage for the reader
📕 Loved all the pop culture references ( music, movies, high school)
📕 I did find the pacing at times to be a bit discombobulated- the chapters are linear but skip days and weeks and the third act breakup/ ending felt a bit rushed
Overall
Recommended holiday reading for any Canadian/East coast book lover
What Its Got
✅ Canadian setting and content
✅ small town
✅ enemies to friends
✅ closed door romance
✅ grumpy vs sunshine
✅ grief
Thoughts
📕 I loved the banter! The teasing, the nicknames (Reckless, Red Sizzler etc)
📕 I loved the details in the descriptions, the author sets a vivid visual stage for the reader
📕 Loved all the pop culture references ( music, movies, high school)
📕 I did find the pacing at times to be a bit discombobulated- the chapters are linear but skip days and weeks and the third act breakup/ ending felt a bit rushed
Overall
Recommended holiday reading for any Canadian/East coast book lover
November 11, 2025
The perfect cozy holiday read. The characters are well written and I could really picture the sweet little community of Christmas Island. I felt like I was right there in Cape Breton with all the locals!
December 22, 2025
My favourite Christmas read of the year (and yes, I have a thing for holiday romance sue me). Perfect Cape Breton setting, great story and likeable characters. Love!!!
December 27, 2025
Love this! Super cute little Nova Scotia Christmas romance. But why couldn't we use quotation marks properly? Made it a little hard to figure out dialogue sometimes.
December 27, 2025
Great Christmas Read to curl up with. Enjoyed all the traditions and community throughout the book. Had a great mix of romance, comedy, and lots of heart!!! Definitely made me think and remember my holiday traditions growing up!! 📖🎄
November 16, 2025
I’m not usually a reviewer but had to add in that this is just such a perfect holiday romance novel - cozy, funny, warm, and completely captivating. I finished it sitting in my car on a cold November day because I just had to see how it ended. A perfect debut novel by Emma Davie and I hope there are more!
December 5, 2025
My first holiday read of the year is complete!🎁❤️✨
I saw this book on Kobo listed as a Kobo Original, and it is set in Canada?! Naturally, I was intrigued. This book was the perfect way to kick off my holiday reading.
TW: Death of a parent - the death happens years before the start of the book, but a huge part of the book is discussing and following the main character’s grief associated with it.
Synopsis:
Florence MacLeod has zero interest in going home for the holidays. But returning to Christmas Island, Cape Breton is unavoidable when she’s promised to help plan her cousin’s winter wedding. A decade after she left, there’s no real home to return to—only the grief she never faced after her mother’s death. Then on her first day back, Florence has an infuriating run-in with Alistair Campbell, the rugged, frustratingly handsome Scottish police officer who’s made himself at home in her hometown. And it turns out Alistair is tangled up in her past in ways she never expected.
As wedding arrangements kick into high gear, Florence keeps crossing paths with Alistair—from the pub to the post office to cold plunges in the icy Bras d’Or. What starts as irritation melts into banter, then something warmer, as his steady presence nudges her toward facing the grief she’s kept buried for so long. With the end of her holidays near, Florence must decide, for a second time, whether to leave the shores of Christmas Island behind or finally open her heart to the one place that truly felt like home.
What I liked:
🎄I am absolutely loving the rise of books set in Canada! This one is Cape Breton Nova Scotia to be exact.
🎄This book has the grumpy/sunshine trope where she is grumpy and he is sunshine, and I thought it was done really well!
🎄This book is set in December, but it wasn’t super overwhelming with Christmas references (despite the name of the book). It does take place over the holidays but it wasn’t too much which I really enjoyed!
I read this book in just a few hours, and it was a great way to kick off my holiday reading! I highly recommend this one if you are looking for a cute romance that is fairly closed door, and with lots of eastern Canada references!
I saw this book on Kobo listed as a Kobo Original, and it is set in Canada?! Naturally, I was intrigued. This book was the perfect way to kick off my holiday reading.
TW: Death of a parent - the death happens years before the start of the book, but a huge part of the book is discussing and following the main character’s grief associated with it.
Synopsis:
Florence MacLeod has zero interest in going home for the holidays. But returning to Christmas Island, Cape Breton is unavoidable when she’s promised to help plan her cousin’s winter wedding. A decade after she left, there’s no real home to return to—only the grief she never faced after her mother’s death. Then on her first day back, Florence has an infuriating run-in with Alistair Campbell, the rugged, frustratingly handsome Scottish police officer who’s made himself at home in her hometown. And it turns out Alistair is tangled up in her past in ways she never expected.
As wedding arrangements kick into high gear, Florence keeps crossing paths with Alistair—from the pub to the post office to cold plunges in the icy Bras d’Or. What starts as irritation melts into banter, then something warmer, as his steady presence nudges her toward facing the grief she’s kept buried for so long. With the end of her holidays near, Florence must decide, for a second time, whether to leave the shores of Christmas Island behind or finally open her heart to the one place that truly felt like home.
What I liked:
🎄I am absolutely loving the rise of books set in Canada! This one is Cape Breton Nova Scotia to be exact.
🎄This book has the grumpy/sunshine trope where she is grumpy and he is sunshine, and I thought it was done really well!
🎄This book is set in December, but it wasn’t super overwhelming with Christmas references (despite the name of the book). It does take place over the holidays but it wasn’t too much which I really enjoyed!
I read this book in just a few hours, and it was a great way to kick off my holiday reading! I highly recommend this one if you are looking for a cute romance that is fairly closed door, and with lots of eastern Canada references!
December 18, 2025
𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒃𝒚 𝑾𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒘! 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑱𝒐𝒏 𝑻𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒆.
Home to Christmas Island, by Emma Davie. $3.99 on Kobo or Indigo.
Perhaps it’s the constant streaming of Chris Rea’s Driving Home For Christmas that has me in the mood to read romance and Christmas stories. If you, too, are reaching for a tranquil state of the heart, buy yourself a copy of Emma Davie’s charming new novel, Home to Christmas Island.
Up until downloading this bracing romance, I knew Emma primarily as one of the best reporters at CBC Nova Scotia. (For example, her recent awesome feature on a Nova Scotia woman going to England for a 75th class anniversary) When I worked there, she seemed able to do any job in the newsroom with skill and passion. Out on the streets reporting, or behind a desk producing the news, she always brought a high standard with her.
No surprise she brings the same talent and tenacity to the page. Home to Christmas Island is set in the real place on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. As our heroine Florence MacLeod speeds back into her hometown for a winter wedding and glum remembrances, she gets pulled over by a cheeky Scottish cop. She’s never heard of him, but he seems well-informed about her.
He gives her a ticket and tells her to slow down.
She speeds off.
Florence tries to keep a bright smile as she helps her childhood friend Alba prepare a dream wedding with her wife-to-be Rose, but that dang cop keeps turning up. And she discovers he knows a lot more about her childhood than he’s let on.
Emma writes with a fine touch, creating unique people in familiar places. The people in this book are struggling with real problems, and reading them will help you handle your own as you feel the push and pull of holiday cheer/fear.
This is her first novel, so you should spend $3.99 now and buy it on your phone. Put your the app on your home screen and every time you pick up your phone, read for five minutes instead of checking your socials. It will fill your belly like a warm Christmas feast.
Home to Christmas Island, by Emma Davie. $3.99 on Kobo or Indigo.
Perhaps it’s the constant streaming of Chris Rea’s Driving Home For Christmas that has me in the mood to read romance and Christmas stories. If you, too, are reaching for a tranquil state of the heart, buy yourself a copy of Emma Davie’s charming new novel, Home to Christmas Island.
Up until downloading this bracing romance, I knew Emma primarily as one of the best reporters at CBC Nova Scotia. (For example, her recent awesome feature on a Nova Scotia woman going to England for a 75th class anniversary) When I worked there, she seemed able to do any job in the newsroom with skill and passion. Out on the streets reporting, or behind a desk producing the news, she always brought a high standard with her.
No surprise she brings the same talent and tenacity to the page. Home to Christmas Island is set in the real place on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. As our heroine Florence MacLeod speeds back into her hometown for a winter wedding and glum remembrances, she gets pulled over by a cheeky Scottish cop. She’s never heard of him, but he seems well-informed about her.
He gives her a ticket and tells her to slow down.
She speeds off.
Florence tries to keep a bright smile as she helps her childhood friend Alba prepare a dream wedding with her wife-to-be Rose, but that dang cop keeps turning up. And she discovers he knows a lot more about her childhood than he’s let on.
Emma writes with a fine touch, creating unique people in familiar places. The people in this book are struggling with real problems, and reading them will help you handle your own as you feel the push and pull of holiday cheer/fear.
This is her first novel, so you should spend $3.99 now and buy it on your phone. Put your the app on your home screen and every time you pick up your phone, read for five minutes instead of checking your socials. It will fill your belly like a warm Christmas feast.
November 26, 2025
Very grounded in the Cape Breton location and the Christmas season, and a solid romance between opposites: the free-spirited heroine who's come home (but not for Christmas, actually a wedding), and a come-from-away, buttoned-down hero. That the occasion is a wedding and not simply Christmas works to add romance and reduce the reliance on 'getting reading for Christmas' tropes (don't worry, Christmas fans, they are still there).
Two aspects that lessened my enjoyment of the story, though may heighten it for others. First, the exclusion of the hero's POV, along with the major role played by a female cousin, push the story slightly away from romance and in the direction of women's literature. Men don't have much presence, and the heroine's ex is a jerk. It doesn't help that the plot-motivating wedding is between two women (though it was refreshing how everyone treats this as ordinary). Second, and having the same effect, the heroine's biggest obstacle to romance, and living her life in general, is her not being over the death of her mother. This is a fine character obstacle, but the heroine's grief comes up in scene after scene - with good reason, but making this a more serious story than the typical Christmas romance.
Sexual tension is good but not overbearing. The story is generally well-told and well-structured, though a couple of times the story skips ahead a few days between chapters. Strong ending.
A nice little bonus is the inclusion of two characters' playlists (the heroine and her cousin).
Two aspects that lessened my enjoyment of the story, though may heighten it for others. First, the exclusion of the hero's POV, along with the major role played by a female cousin, push the story slightly away from romance and in the direction of women's literature. Men don't have much presence, and the heroine's ex is a jerk. It doesn't help that the plot-motivating wedding is between two women (though it was refreshing how everyone treats this as ordinary). Second, and having the same effect, the heroine's biggest obstacle to romance, and living her life in general, is her not being over the death of her mother. This is a fine character obstacle, but the heroine's grief comes up in scene after scene - with good reason, but making this a more serious story than the typical Christmas romance.
Sexual tension is good but not overbearing. The story is generally well-told and well-structured, though a couple of times the story skips ahead a few days between chapters. Strong ending.
A nice little bonus is the inclusion of two characters' playlists (the heroine and her cousin).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2025
Picked this one up because who doesn't love a Canadian east coast Christmas?? The Christmas vibes here do not disappoint, and with all the descriptions of Nova Scotia, this book made me want to go back to Cape Breton! ❤️
Also, a hot Scottish cop in New Scotland? Because of course! Why wouldn't there be? The teasing quips between Alistair and Florence was fun, though I have to admit I'm on Alistair's side here, sorry Florence. I'm a stubborn follow-the-rules redhead, unlike reckless Fast-Florence. Her character came off as aggressive and unlikeable to me, and I was surprised by how pig-headed she was and couldn't see how Christmas Island would be such an easy fresh start!
I found the romance to progress a little too quickly once Florence stopped denying her feelings for Alistair. I would have liked more time in the romantic dating phase before jumping straight into bed after the first kiss, but I guess that's Fast Florence for you!
For a Christmas romance, it's quite heavy with themes of grief. I was hoping for something a little more lighthearted for the holidays, but I can definitely relate to how it feels returning to your hometown after a traumatic event. May have cracked open this week over it while listening to "The View Between Villages" by Noah Kahan. I was glad to see it made it onto Florence's playlist.
Also, a hot Scottish cop in New Scotland? Because of course! Why wouldn't there be? The teasing quips between Alistair and Florence was fun, though I have to admit I'm on Alistair's side here, sorry Florence. I'm a stubborn follow-the-rules redhead, unlike reckless Fast-Florence. Her character came off as aggressive and unlikeable to me, and I was surprised by how pig-headed she was and couldn't see how Christmas Island would be such an easy fresh start!
I found the romance to progress a little too quickly once Florence stopped denying her feelings for Alistair. I would have liked more time in the romantic dating phase before jumping straight into bed after the first kiss, but I guess that's Fast Florence for you!
For a Christmas romance, it's quite heavy with themes of grief. I was hoping for something a little more lighthearted for the holidays, but I can definitely relate to how it feels returning to your hometown after a traumatic event. May have cracked open this week over it while listening to "The View Between Villages" by Noah Kahan. I was glad to see it made it onto Florence's playlist.
December 13, 2025
I love finding Canadian authors who set their stories in Canada.
Home to Christmas Island follows Flora, a Christmas Island native who returns home for Christmas and her best friends’/cousins’ New Year’s Eve wedding after being away since her mom passed. Enter Alister—a cop, a transplant to Christmas Island, and the man who unknowingly bought Flora’s childhood home.
This is a really beautiful story about love, loss, grief, insecurities, family (found or otherwise), healing, and finding the courage to move forward when you believe the only option is to leave.
I rated it 3.5 ⭐️ because it took me until about the 60–65% mark to really get hooked—but once I did, I was all in. I loved Alister. His quiet strength, directness, and that smirk made him very swoony. Just note that this is a closed-door romance with no on-page spice—everything is off-page or implied. As Emma Davie’s debut novel, it made a strong first impression and left me curious to see what she does next.
Home to Christmas Island follows Flora, a Christmas Island native who returns home for Christmas and her best friends’/cousins’ New Year’s Eve wedding after being away since her mom passed. Enter Alister—a cop, a transplant to Christmas Island, and the man who unknowingly bought Flora’s childhood home.
This is a really beautiful story about love, loss, grief, insecurities, family (found or otherwise), healing, and finding the courage to move forward when you believe the only option is to leave.
I rated it 3.5 ⭐️ because it took me until about the 60–65% mark to really get hooked—but once I did, I was all in. I loved Alister. His quiet strength, directness, and that smirk made him very swoony. Just note that this is a closed-door romance with no on-page spice—everything is off-page or implied. As Emma Davie’s debut novel, it made a strong first impression and left me curious to see what she does next.
November 5, 2025
Surprisingly tender, but as cozy as you’d expect (and deserve) for a Christmas Island holiday romance.
I love the banter between the two main characters, and the perfectly captured bittersweet nostalgia of the holiday season (no matter your circumstance). Florence’s internal struggles felt so genuine and familiar, but what I appreciate most with any story is an emphasis on the importance of female friendships. The dynamic between Florence and Alba feels so spot on to me, and I love to see that relationship take up its deserved space.
This has everything you could want at this time of year, including some great ideas for new traditions and a reminder to cherish those already in place.
Will definitely be rereading this every holiday season, but also hope to learn more about Alistair’s brother… next Christmas?!
I love the banter between the two main characters, and the perfectly captured bittersweet nostalgia of the holiday season (no matter your circumstance). Florence’s internal struggles felt so genuine and familiar, but what I appreciate most with any story is an emphasis on the importance of female friendships. The dynamic between Florence and Alba feels so spot on to me, and I love to see that relationship take up its deserved space.
This has everything you could want at this time of year, including some great ideas for new traditions and a reminder to cherish those already in place.
Will definitely be rereading this every holiday season, but also hope to learn more about Alistair’s brother… next Christmas?!
December 7, 2025
3.5 stars for this cute story. Alastair was a sweetheart who was loving Florence from before she arrived. Her decisions built the angst and I was always hoping she would stand her ground and face her pain. No sex, closed door mayhaps but kissing was as spicy as the words got.
I’m very glad Florence grew and felt the love and support she was surrounded by.
“The name on the screen reads, Alistair Campbell aka Al aka Hot Cop Who Pulled You Over.”
Excerpt from Home to Christmas Island by Emma Davie
“ I thought I was going to kiss you.
Well, you snooze, you lose, Alistair. ”
Excerpt from Home to Christmas Island by Emma Davie
“I’m going to give you some space, Florence. I don’t want to push you further, but I’m not walking away, okay?”
Excerpt from Home to Christmas Island by Emma Davie
This material may be protected by copyright.
I’m very glad Florence grew and felt the love and support she was surrounded by.
“The name on the screen reads, Alistair Campbell aka Al aka Hot Cop Who Pulled You Over.”
Excerpt from Home to Christmas Island by Emma Davie
“ I thought I was going to kiss you.
Well, you snooze, you lose, Alistair. ”
Excerpt from Home to Christmas Island by Emma Davie
“I’m going to give you some space, Florence. I don’t want to push you further, but I’m not walking away, okay?”
Excerpt from Home to Christmas Island by Emma Davie
This material may be protected by copyright.
December 1, 2025
Ooooooh it makes me long for home. As someone from a rural Cape Breton community, so many elements of this story ring true. A perfect blend of nostalgic feelings, a romance unwinding, giggles, and Florence's journey back home after her mother's passing (it is hard to return home to a small town where everyone knows your bizz AND confront your old demons). Us small towners long to feel anonymous for a while. I am now also longing for a handsome Scottish man...
I have to say... the acknowledgements at the end made me almost as emotional as the story. And... I did take a moment to look up Florence's Playlist on Spotify, would 1000000% listen to that. (its not there...yet...)
I am looking forward to more from this up and coming author in the future!!!!
I have to say... the acknowledgements at the end made me almost as emotional as the story. And... I did take a moment to look up Florence's Playlist on Spotify, would 1000000% listen to that. (its not there...yet...)
I am looking forward to more from this up and coming author in the future!!!!
Read
November 28, 2025Canadian setting (Nova Scotia!), Scottish hero, festive fun, and close family dynamics? Yes, please!
As someone who has experienced the excruciating pain of losing her mother, I really felt Florence's grief. I know I'll never get over that loss, and I also understand that grief can make you do things you wouldn't normally do. I appreciated Florence's growth and how she started coming to terms with her mother's death after so many years, and opened her heart to her family, the community of Christmas Island, and Alistair.
As someone who has experienced the excruciating pain of losing her mother, I really felt Florence's grief. I know I'll never get over that loss, and I also understand that grief can make you do things you wouldn't normally do. I appreciated Florence's growth and how she started coming to terms with her mother's death after so many years, and opened her heart to her family, the community of Christmas Island, and Alistair.
December 13, 2025
A moving and touching Christmas read, this is something I can personally relate to. I can totally relate with Florence, her running away and avoiding when it comes to accepting her mother's death is too real. When it comes to grief, unfortunately time does not heal but time does allow you to learn on how to live with the pain and emptiness. Sometimes it takes years to finally deal with it and sometimes it takes someone like Alistair to finally ground you, forcing you to stop running away and helping you to face your demons.
December 24, 2025
This was the perfect festive read and it made me want to get cozy each night and read. The characters are fun, unique, and it felt like they had the right amount of depth for the book length. I fell in love with them quickly and loved how relatable a lot of the small town storyline was. Sometimes I wanted to yell at the characters but I always liked the decisions they made in the end! I’d love to read a sequel or a spin off highlighting another character!
October 27, 2025
Here I am reviewing my own book so I can attempt to save my 2025 reading challenge 😂
December 7, 2025
I thought this was a very cute read and absolutely loved that it was set in Atlantic Canada!
December 10, 2025
Cute and predictable
December 11, 2025
Loved it, made me feel warm and fuzzy inside ! it was cute, funny and Christmassy. Removing a star because of the whole cop thing
December 12, 2025
A warm, charming story with a cast of characters that feel real and are fun to spend time with. Added bonus: many descriptions of delicious baked goods.
December 21, 2025
The perfect cozy Christmas read!!!
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December 22, 2025A cute lil Cape Breton Christmas story, a quick and light read
December 26, 2025
A hard read as someone who hasn't moved back home. A great story, written by someone who gets it.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews